Pursuing God's Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups

by Ruth Haley Barton

Logos Book of the Year Meetings can sap our energy, rupture community and thoroughly demoralize us. They can go on forever with no resolution. Or they can rush along without consensus just to "get through the agenda." What if there was another way? Church boards and other Christian leadership teams have long relied on models adapted from the business world. Ruth Haley Barton, president of the Transforming Center, helps teams transition to a much more suitable model―the spiritual community that discerns God's will together. In these pages you will discover personal and group practices that will lead you into a new way of experiencing community and listening to God together.

Genres: Leadership, Faith, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality, Church

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2012

About the author

Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Seminary) is founding president/CEO of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors and Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve. For over twenty years, she has ministered to the soul care needs of pastors and leaders based upon her conviction that the best thing we bring to leadership is our own transforming selves. Trained at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola University Chicago, Ruth is a seasoned retreat leader and spiritual director. A sought-after speaker and preacher, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches and teaches frequently at seminaries and graduate schools. Ruth is the author of numerous books and resources on the spiritual life, including Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, Longing for More, Pursuing God's Will Together, and Life Together in Christ. She continues to share her thoughts and perspectives on soulful leadership through an online resource called eReflections as well as a podcast entitled Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pursuing God's Will Together looks at corporate discernment in leadership teams, casting a vision for unity that comes from the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. In her rather Scripture-soaked work, Barton returns to that passage for guidance.

Barton's methods made a lot of sense to me, because they are drawn from practices I've already explored individually. I rarely read leadership books, often because the methods are more idiosyncratic than not, and they only work in whatever paradigm the author arranges. Barton's way of group discernment is built on historic practices (mostly Quaker and Ignatian) and stories in Acts, but she also works from her experience with leadership groups, both as a participant and as a facilitator. This is why it makes sense: she's not hawking her patented methods for leading teams, but humbly learning from the best wisdom in Christianity and practicing what she preaches.

I have seen Barton's methods bear fruit in several different leadership groups (where I am not a participant) and that is testimony enough for me. At the core, her methods facilitate reaching spiritual unity, even in deeply divided groups. A fictionalized pastiche story of a leadership group provides a (legally safe) realistic example beginning each chapter and darned if it wasn't extremely recognizable. Divided, hurt, and angry leadership teams are all too common in the church. Barton provides a way from that place to deep unity and trust. I've seen it work in the real world!

Christian leadership can often seem hierarchical, and some people proudly claim that title, but Barton offers a third way between no leadership and hierarchy. It is hard, even grueling, to wait in God's timing while making a decision. Yet, God honors our desires for unity, and Barton's way of group discernment simply creates a space for the Holy Spirit to move among leaders to bring about concord.

"If we are not comfortable with mystery, we are not comfortable with the very gospel we proclaim." (243)

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this for work, and it was a slough. Repetitive, and I didn't agree with a lot of it. Do not recommend.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puts new breath in you and stirs up the mud.

Ruth Haley Barton takes her cue from Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." I like how she takes "renewal of your mind" deeper than mere information. Through traditional Christian practices we can open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit for personal and community metamorphosis. Silence, solitude, rest, retreat, Scripture reading, fixed hour prayers, the prayer of indifference, and listening place us in the way of grace for the reorientation of our motives, attitudes, and habits. She then shows how to take it from "me to we" and build such practices into a leadership community. It's a call to distinguish between "decision making" and "discernment".

I have some concerns about the book. Although she urges private Scripture reading and group "lectio divina", and allowing quiet time for the Holy Spirit to bring Scripture to mind, she seems to neglect instructions for leadership groups to actively study the Scripture about issues they are trying to discern. She even warns against letting people bring Scripture up to push their own agenda. I get the warning against misusing Scripture, but there seems to be a pulling back from intentional Scripture searching. Perhaps it's a reflection of the broad audience she addresses and that many discernment/decision issues they face will not have any biblical passages explicitly devoted to them. However, Scripture does provide principled frameworks for all pursuits in life.

She also uses some language, such as "false self and true self" that she does not explain, though I suspect it comes from her studies into Quaker, Jesuit, or other church group practices. This leaves me wondering sometimes what her theology of human nature is.

I am also uncomfortable with her directions to rely on feelings of consolation and desolation. I've heard a high-profile clergy involved in gross sin claim that he had "prayed about it" and found real peace from the Lord confirming his immoral activity. It seems to me that when you combine Barton's lack of directions to study Scripture with a reliance on feelings, you open the door to all kinds of nonsense.

Barton anticipates my reaction to her methods near the beginning. "One of the challenges to leadership discernment is that it can seem somewhat subjective and even mystical, which doesn't always go over too well with hard-nosed business people and pragmatists..." Hmmm... are those the only kind of people who challenge her methods? Are all of us who feel discomfort with some of her methods too "hard-nosed and pragmatic" to be spiritual?

This book did help me practice better listening in tense situations. I've also adopted a calmer attitude towards the pace of decision making / discerning. Overall, I think there is enough good stuff to learn from this that I would still recommend it to the spiritually mature.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how a group of spiritually mature and self-aware Christ followers can gather together to hear God's will in decision making and act it out in unity. I imagine this would be a huge shift for most present-day boards, committees, staff and leadership teams, etc. It is quite different than how I have done things. I need to dwell on this and likely reread this again but I am deeply considering the path that is laid out in Barton's writing.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a deep and practical study on how Christians can come together to make decisions based on God's guidance, not just people's opinions. It was very well written, rich with theological truth and with tactical tools. It had stories and examples all throughout to make it come to life.

Some good thoughts from the book:

The beginning of group discernment is personal discernment--how we much listen to God speak to us about our own lives first and soften our hearts.

Before a group wrestles with a decision, they must first clarify and agree on what their overall objectives and values are.

The process should include alternation between coming up with ideas as a group and getting alone to calm our hearts, listen, become "indifferent" to personal agendas, etc.

A facilitator is often really helpful to the group, to keep them on track and remind them of the process.

I did take one star off (to give 4 out of 5) for two minor concerns:

1) She creates a false dichotomy of business/strategy thinking and ministry/godly thinking. All the examples and phrases she used to contrast these two "modes" revealed that she doesn't really understand business/strategy processes. While there are business leaders who are purely by the numbers and very aggressive, that doesn't mean that's how it's supposed to be done. In reality the same process she described overlaps with what the expert strategists do in business, just missing some of the beautiful spiritual elements that her process includes.

2) She over-involves high liturgy in her process. Her personal story is one of coming from a low liturgy church and discovering the joys of reading written prayers together at fixed times in the day, etc. I have been blessed by those practices myself, so I don't have a problem with them as a spiritual practice, but she only presents a discernment process that includes fixed hour prayers, written prayers, lit candles, etc. And I believe that while high liturgy can be life giving, I also think that it's situational and personal. Low liturgy can be life giving and I would prefer a model for discernment that allowed for prayer that wasn't formal.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really thoughtful set of ideas and process for fathers based leadership teams to consider when making team decisions for their organizations. Thought provoking also for individual members of those teams. Will be trying these concepts out with our church leadership team as we grapple with some issues in the near future.

[Dan Wolgemuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I appreciated the personal aspects of the first portion of this book, it was the last third of the book that gave powerful and practical insights.

[Christine Bember · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I was able to pull a few nuggets from the book, but major red flags when she quotes Richard Rohr twice in the first chapter… Ironically, I used discernment on a book about discernment to pick out the many sneaky half truths she had littered throughout. At around the third chapter, I stopped reading because her theology was off and did not see the need to continue with it anymore. I do not recommend.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical, challenging, invigorating read for pastors who want to move their leadership from functional to spiritual.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most leadership teams of which I've been a part made decisions simply be defining the problem or decision to be made, discussing options and courses of action and tried to reach some consensus or majority opinion of how to proceed and then went forward. Many times, we've been mercifully on the same page--and sometimes not, with painful disagreement, personal clashes and lingering resentment the result. Christian teams often bookend these discussions with prayer but the outcomes are similar.

Ruth Haley Barton proposes a very different process. It begins with people who are seeking spiritual transformation and attentiveness to God in their own lives as reflected by a personal "rule of life". The first part of her book, roughly two thirds, deals with how we become communities of discernment moving from personal openness to God to community values and practices and commitments that reflect this openness. Then the second part of the book outlines a discernment process that can be practiced in leadership communities that have become communities of discernment. She does this under the rubric of Get Ready!, Get Set! and Go! Perhaps most helpful to me was her discussion of reaching a place of "indifference" with regard to the issue about which we are seeking discernment, which doesn't mean "not caring" but rather being at a place of being able to accept whatever course God indicates, where we've relinquished our own agendas or vestedness in a decision.

This is very helpful. One challenge I face that I'd love to explore with other campus ministry people is that this book presumes long-term leadership teams. Most of us in campus ministry work with teams that change yearly or sometimes more often. How can we apply the ideas of becoming discernment communities and using such discernment processes with more "temporary" teams?

[Rick Killian · Rating 3 out of 5]

For churches and Christian organizations used to running their institutions using the latest bestselling leadership techniques, this is a great book for recentering the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the decisions we make and the principles we build upon. It’s easy to see some of the practices introduced in this book as inefficient and time consuming, but it does well to reemphasize a rhythm of remembering Christ’s lordship in our lives as well in how we run the organizations we’ve created in His name. This book instructs the desire for such rhythms, reminds us of how such things are very much woven into the traditions of our faith, and reemphasizes that hearing and doing God���s will is always the most efficient and effective way forward no matter how long it takes.

If I have an issue with this book it’s that if feels somewhat stymied by covering too much ground, and seems uncertain of the maturity of the readers. It goes back and forth between very basic instructions for Christian formation and scholarly advice worthy of seminary. I found the examples from Grace Church vague, shallow, and overly simplistic since it didn’t get into actual sample issues and disagreements. But then I like books that teach more from example than about principles and practices that are not rooted in actual situations.

In her defense, however, this is a lot of ground to cover for a very mysterious process, and she did a good job of staying out of the weeds and remaining practical. The one addition I would make would probably alienate many of her readers, however, which is more on walking in step with the Holy Spirit, but that, perhaps, is more a topic for individual growth then making time for His leadership in our board meetings and leadership retreats.

[Franklin Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though some people's reviews regard this book as idealistic at best, I think we could all agree that our church leadership meetings are more like corporate meetings (as a general statement.) Too often we lean on our own understanding and intelligence to make decisions. We need a better way!
The author states that this a growth process and growth takes time. She even gives a general timeline of incorporating these principles over the course of a year!
The closest comparison I can come up with is weight loss (which I struggle with!) perhaps the best advice I've heard is that you can't lose in a month what took you a lifetime to gain.
Real change (spiritual, physical, mental) takes place over time. As a youth minister, I confess that I've done my share of wishing to see change IMMEDIATELY! Most of the time this is simply not the case.
So if you try this book, sit back, relax, take deep breaths and SLOW DOWN.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book designed to help church and ministry leadership teams discern rather than simply make decisions. It presents a comprehensive overview and approach to the discernment process with a focus on the members of the team becoming discerning people first and, then, members of a discerning group. This book covers all the bases. In fact, it is so thorough that it felt, to me at least, exhausting and somewhat idealistic. Nevertheless, this book can be read to good effect by every leadership team, at least those I've been a part of.

[Nick Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great. Practical. Idealistic. If there's a flaw, it's that idealism and being left with the knowledge of how far there is between the way I share leadership in the churches I pastor and the way which this book lifts up. But even her advice is to start with one piece and go from there. I'm motivated.

[Christina Bohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every ministry leader needs to read this book. This book confirmed so much of what I knew in my heart to be true - spiritual leadership needs to be so different from corporate/business leadership! A prayer at the beginning of a meeting is not "discernment"; rather, church teams should be doing the hard work of being spiritually transformed so that when they come together they can discern together. This could be a huge paradigm shift for so many churches who fall into unhealthy practices of decision making.

My only concern is that I've NEVER actually seen these practices in any church. This isn't to say that they're ineffective, just that I fear that most churches would see these as too idealistic. I hope to be able to incorporate many of these practices into my own personal life and the ways that I lead my own teams.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, thoughtful writing on how to be a decision making body that seeks spiritual guidance together. The more mystical reliance on God to work through leading/speaking to people is difficult for me, but then again, that aspect of faith is challenging for me in regular life.

I especially appreciated the Ignatian concept of consolation/desolation. I instinctively felt the truth in this, but hadn't heard it of it before.

I don't recommend this as an audio book. The narration is weak and it's difficult to ponder the application activities without seeing them on paper.

[Élizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book burrows from more Catholic and Friends thought than most Reformed protestants would feel comfortable with, this book is still a good practical introduction to the preparation and praxis of community discernment.

I read this book with a lot to repent from in my own dispositions to rush decisions and ignore contrarian voices that demand patience, love and, frankly, more discernment.

I found myself experiencing both awe then disappointment in the way Barton interacted with Scripture; for sure, there were some near-misses and head scratching.

That said, I really appreciated the depth of her writing and her heart for community leadership. Reading this book helped me make space for a greater thirst to hear from God in everyday life and ministry.

[Ron Willoughby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely one of those books you need to read about three times if you plan to implement the process into your decision-making processes. I suspect it is worth the investment. There is much that resonates with me that Ruth Barton has written. But it will require significantly more time than snap/quick decision-making. It also seems that it could be derailed by one person who is not engaging in the process sincerely, though Mrs. Barton does speak to that to some extent.

Definitely worth the time and investment. I’m going to try implementing this at our church.

Congrats Ruth on your grandsons!!!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, practical. If the foolishness of God is indeed wiser than man’s wisdom, than we need more than business meetings and lists of pros and cons to make decisions in spiritual leadership spaces.

The third season of Ruth Haley Barton’s podcast works through the same material if you’d prefer to listen rather than read. I found both helpful and am in the middle of applying what I’ve read to my church staff context.

In particular I’m glad I learned about the “prayer for indifference.” The name is a little confusing but the underlying concept is biblical and potentially transformative for groups intending to discern God’s will together.

[Gregg Chastain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the ministry of Ruth Haley Barton and her emphasis on spiritual formation practices. This book explores the relationship of spiritual formation and discernment in the context of church or ministry leadership (though it could certainly be applied in all sorts of contexts). It has been a helpful tool for our leadership team to transform our meetings - getting away from a "corporate board" mentality and pressing into a community of spiritual leaders seeking God's direction for our church.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't really give this a fair review because I started it ages ago, laid out down, and finally came back to it. I don't think I forgot to finish it because it was boring, just that life circumstances got in the way.

So, overall I would say that it is a good reminder for church and Christian ministry leaders to make discerning God's will a part of our decision making process. Business meetings usually start and end with a quick prayer instead of the entire meeting being a process of prayerful discernment. A lot of problems could be avoided by using the process she describes.

[Lesa Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many books on leadership, particularly regarding church leadership. This one surpasses them all. It goes beyond simple rational decision-making to becoming a community for discerning God’s will. It places an emphasis upon transformation of individuals and then communities. This author actually believes that God want to guide us and is able, and tells us how to provide space for him to do that. This should not be so rare in churches and Christian organizations!

[Joanna DeWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every leader of a Christian organization should read this book—and put into practice at least one of her discernment practices as an individual and as a group. Profound because she teaches us not only to pay attention to God and others but how to do just that. I will reference this book and recommend it to others.

[Peter Twele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't finished the book yet, but chose to stop reading it for now. There are some 'ideals' set up about how to pursue God's will although much of the book is prescriptive and although much is based to 'true stories' those stories are blended together into a fictional church to teach principles. Interesting, but ...

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated Barton’s work on spiritual discernment as a team. So often I/we rush to strategy and action without slowing down enough to allow God into our planning. Not only what is effective or most efficient, but what is best and right for the community and the people involved.
Stretched me. Hope I can practice it with our teams.

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a challenging book, I enjoyed it so much. My heart was pointed toward God and has seen a need to seeking God’s face more, particularly as a leader.

“There are many qualities that contribute to good leadership, but it is our commitment to discerning and doing the will of God through the help of the Holy Spirit that distinguishes spiritual leadership from other kinds of leadership.”

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of things I liked about this book, but I think it’s really only applicable whole sale to a niche audience. There were bits and pieces here and there that are applicable to all leadership roles though. The book also felt like it could have been about a quarter shorter. Worth the read though.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have leaders who have modeled this way of leadership and decision-making and it has really challenged us to grow deeper personally. When we are growing deeper, with some intentionality we are seeing the overflow into our leadership community in our regional leadership and team here.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A staple for navigating the discernment journey. I walked through this with my husband alongside an older spiritual companion and it was an awesome resource for our "corporate" discernment processes in marriage.

[William Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful

Good system for getting to the roots of leadership. Putting your personal growth first as you meet with God is the beginning of leading. Hope to revisit as I go forward in ministry leadership and in my home.